Istanbul & the Landscapes of Cappadocia

After exploring Istanbul, venture through Cappadocia's rock formations, valleys, and fairy chimneys, an otherworldly region dotted with underground cities and ancient cave dwellings.

The five-day itinerary includes a few days in Istanbul to explore famous landmarks and experience the local cuisine at your own pace. Then, you’ll fly to Cappadocia for a guided tour of its unique landscape, including rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys, and discover a mysterious world of underground cities.

Twin Destinations
Istanbul; Cappadocia

Itinerary overview

Days 1 to 3

Istanbul

You’ll have a few days to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Maybe you’ll start with a visit to t...

Day 4

Cappadocia

You’ll take a morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and be greeted by your guide and driver ...

Day 5

Cappadocia

Today, you’ll witness more of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, starting with the Devrent Vall...

Day 6

Cappadocia

This morning, you’ll have the option to take a memorable hot air balloon trip at dawn. Then, afte...

Days 1 to 3

Istanbul

You’ll have a few days to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Maybe you’ll start with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its storied past. Or immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs. Perhaps you’ll cruise along the Bosporus and witness the skyline of Istanbul from the water. Then, as the days turn to evenings, indulge in a feast of mouthwatering kebabs and baklava at local restaurants.

Day 4

Cappadocia

You’ll take a morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and be greeted by your guide and driver to start your tour. The first stop is the Soganli Valley, an open-air museum in a natural setting near a traditional Cappadocian village. Here, you’ll see rock-cut churches and frescoes with distinct styles. The drive continues through the villages of Cappadocia, surrounded by table-top mountains en route to the Keslik Monastery near Cemil village. The day concludes with a visit to the underground city of Kaymakli, one of Cappadocia's most significant and deepest settlements.

Day 5

Cappadocia

Today, you’ll witness more of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, starting with the Devrent Valley, known for its incredible rock formations. Then it’s onwards to the Zelve Open Air Museum, a historic site with fascinating troglodyte houses. Next, you will visit Pasabag and its fairy chimneys before the tour moves to Avanos, a hub of terracotta art dating back to 2,000 BC, where you will watch a traditional pottery demonstration. After lunch in Avanos, you’ll visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the finest examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia, displayed in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings from the 10th century. The day wraps up with a panoramic view of the Cappadocian valleys from the Uchisar Rock Castle.

Day 6

Cappadocia

This morning, you’ll have the option to take a memorable hot air balloon trip at dawn. Then, after breakfast, you’ll hike along the Red Valley, one of the region's most mysteriously beautiful valleys in the heart of Cappadocia but off the beaten track. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before you transfer to Kayseri Airport.

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